A Hole of Terrifying Size Discovered on the Sun: Why It's Dangerous

An unusual coronal hole of gigantic size has formed on the Sun, with a shape resembling an inverted number "1". According to experts' estimates, the height of this formation reaches about one million kilometers. Coronal holes - areas of the solar atmosphere with reduced temperature and density - have been dominating the surface of the Sun since the beginning of last year, immediately after passing the peak of activity in October-December 2024. This shift has already led to a sharp increase, by approximately 60%, in the number of magnetic storms.

As reported by BAKU.WS with reference to the Telegram channel of the Laboratory of Solar Astronomy of IKI and RAS, scientists note that the trend toward increased solar activity continues in the coming years. According to forecasts, in 2026 the number of geomagnetic disturbances will exceed the indicators of the previous year, and a high level of activity will be observed at least until 2028.

After that, according to experts, a gradual decline in solar activity will begin, which will lead to the next solar minimum at the turn of 2029-2030. At the same time, in the next two years, amateur astronomers will be able to observe bright auroras more frequently, which will be visible even in middle and more southern latitudes than usual.